International Journal of Agricultural Research and Review

Effects of electronic and mass media method of agricultural innovations information dissemination to enhance food security in Nigeria

Abstract

This study surveyed the impact of electronic and mass media on information dissemination to farmers by agricultural extension agents, with the goal of enhancing food security in the Nasarawa Central agricultural zone, Nigeria. The goals were to find the most popular news sources, figure out how they affect food security based on the socioeconomic status of farmers, and look into what stops farmers from using these sources to adopt better farming methods. The population comprised 6,000 extension agents and farmers, with a sample of 200 respondents selected through multi-stage sampling. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that the most frequently used media included handsets, radio, television, and the internet, along with flyers, handbills, and billboards. A significant positive correlation (p=0.006) was found between the use of media and farmers' education level, farm size, and extension agent contact. Major constraints identified were socio-economic, environmental, and policy-related. The study recommends improved education via extension services, enhanced communication infrastructure, and better policy delivery to promote effective media use in agricultural information dissemination to boost food security in Nigeria.

Keywords: mass media, information, farmers, agricultural innovation, dissemination, and food security.